Ngayon ko lang napagtanto kung gaano kabilis lumipas ang oras. Parang kahapon lang ako dumating dito sa States pero magdadalawang buwan na pala ako rito.

Apat na buwan lang ang pagiging exchange student ko at babalik na ako sa Pilipinas sa Disyembre kaya susulitin ko talaga ang mga natitirang buwan.

Bigla akong napahawak sa puson nang sumakit na naman ito. I always dread this certain time of the month. My period cramps are really awful and I can't do anything else but rest.

Fortunately, we have no classes for a week so I won't suffer at school. Just like what I normally do when I have my period, the only thing that I've been doing since I woke up is watching K-drama and eat. Gusto ko mang ipagpatuloy ang paggawa ng mga Halloween costumes namin ng mga kaibigan, hindi talaga ako makapag-concentrate dahil sa sakit.

Hindi rin nakatulong at bigla akong nag-crave dahil sa pinanonood. Kumakain ang mga bida kaya bigla rin akong nagutom. Pwede naman akong bumili o mag-order ngunit dahil ayaw kong umalis sa pagkakahiga sa sofa at dahil sa katamaran na rin, nag-post na lang ako sa Instagram story ng picture ng pinanonood ko sabay lagay ng caption na: "craving for some korean".

Hindi nagtagal, nag-reply ang mga kaibigan at katulad ng inaasahan, puro kalokohan na naman ang mga ito.

They sent different pictures of Korean actors and idols when what I really meant was some Korean food! Pero buti naman siguro na ganito ang mga sinend nila kasi kung mga pagkain nga, lalo lang akong magugutom.

I replied to my friends and continued watching. Watching funny K-dramas is how I distract myself from the period cramps but it wasn't that much of a help right now.

Pinatay ko na lang ang TV at matutulog na sana nang biglang may nag-doorbell. Tamad akong tumayo mula sa sofa at binuksan ang pintuan.

"Martell?" I called weakly. Kinusot-kusot ko ang mga mata at siniguradong hindi ako nagkakamali.

"Here," aniya sabay lahad sa akin ng isang paper bag. Tinignan ko ang laman niyon at nakitang puno iyon ng mga pagkain. "That's from Marga... uh, she saw your post and I happened to be around this area so she texted—"

"Yeah... I get it," I said with a faint smile. "Thanks."

Gusto ko mang asarin siya, wala talaga akong ganang makipagbiruan ngayon. Napansin niya yata ang pagbago ng pakikitungo ko at seryoso akong pinagmasdan, nakatagilid ang ulo at mukhang iniisip kung anong nangyari sa akin.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

Wrong move, Martell.

"Yeah..." I trailed off, then bursting into tears. Mukhang nagulat ko siya sa biglaan kong pag-iyak pero agad din naman akong inalo. "You shouldn't have asked me that cuz I'm just gonna cry."

He didn't answer but held my chin instead and made me look up to him. There was a small smile on his face while he was wiping my tears. Ako naman, hiyang-hiya sa sarili. Hindi ko ginustong umiyak dahil wala naman akong dapat ikaiyak ngunit nahihirapan talaga akong kontrolin ang emosyon tuwing may regla. Mas nagiging emosyonal at iyakin ako.

Napakamot ako ng ulo at nagngiting aso sa kaniya. Pinapasok ko siya sa unit at ako naman ay agad na nahiga sa sofa at natulog.

Nagising akong hindi na masakit ang puson. Kaya ako natulog dahil hinihintay kong tumalab ang gamot na ininom.

"You're still here?" Gulat kong tanong nang makita si Martell na nakaupo sa sahig.

"Yeah... I thought it would be rude to leave without saying goodbye," aniya at tumayo. "I'll leave now."

"I thought we'll eat that together," sabi ko sabay turo ng dala niyang paper bag.

"Fine with me." He shrugged nonchalantly then returned to sitting on the floor.

"What were you doing the whole time I was sleeping?"

"Just looking around." He shrugged again. "You looked so peaceful while asleep."

I wiggled my brows then winked. "Of course! I'm Sleeping Beauty after all."

Tumayo na ako mula sa pagkakahiga at nag-stretch. Laking pasasalamat ko talaga at hindi na sumasakit ang puson ko.

"You okay now?"

Tumango ako at nginitian siya. Kahapon lang kami nagkita pero so far, hindi naman ako nagsasawa sa mukha niya.

Siyempre, gusto mo eh! A part of my mind pointed out.

Tumungo ako sa kwarto para makapagbihis ngunit hindi pa ako nakakalayo, tinawag niya ulit ako.

"Axyne," he called, then gesturing with his lips. "You have a stain."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko bago napatingin sa sarili at saka tumakbo papuntang kwarto. Mabilis akong naligo at nagbihis at siniguradong walang tagos ang suot ko.

Lumabas ako ng kwarto at nadatnan siyang inaayos ang mga pagkain sa maliit na mesa sa sala. Napatingin siya sa akin at ngumiti sabay pakita ng mga pinamili niya.

"You look distressed," he pointed out. "Is it about a while ago?"

Nahihiya akong tumango at umupo na sa tabi niya.

"I'm sorry I pointed it out. I just thought you should know," he said apologetically.

"It's not that, though." I'm humiliated because you saw it!

Seryoso niya akong tinitigan, mukhang binabasa ang nasa isipan ko. "Are you ashamed that I saw it? There's nothing wrong with it so there's no need to feel humiliated."

Patago akong ngumiti at tinuon na lang ang tingin sa mga pagkain. May Bibimbap, Kimchi, Gimbap at Bulgogi. He also bought a flavored milk drink which my friends and I always drink when we go to Korean restaurants.

Masisira ang diet ko dahil dito pero 'di bale na, minsan lang naman 'to.

"Thanks, Martell," I said gratefully then started eating.

We continued watching the Harry Potter series. After we were done eating, I continued knitting our Halloween costumes.

"I'm almost done with you sweaters too," I shared.

"You actually made me one?" Aniya, mukhang hindi makapaniwala sa narinig. "Isn't it complicated?"

"Not really." I shrugged. "But then, it's for you—" I paused, then realizing that he might interpret it as if I see him as someone special which is true, by the way, but I don't plan on telling him that. "—it's for you, the person who gave me his limited edition hoodie."

Tumango-tango pa ako sabay ngisi. I was only acting cool but deep inside, I was panicking. Mukhang ako pa yata ang makakabuko ng sariling sekreto.

We then started talking about the party. I already knew that he's invited but I wasn't sure if he's actually gonna come.

"Yup, but I won't be coming to the one in Budapest," he shared, then folding his knees and rested his face on it. Nakatuon ang buong atensyon niya sa akin at feel na feel ko naman iyon!

Naramdaman kong uminit ang pisngi ko kaya agad naman akong napainom ng tubig. May kung ano sa tingin niya na hindi ko maipaliwanag. 'Yong tipong mapapakagat-labi ka na lang at mapapangiti kahit wala naman talagang espesyal o ano.

The Martell effect. Anang isang boses sa isipan ko.

"I'm not going too!" I said with little too much enthusiasm. "I mean... not because you're not going but because I'm visiting my friend at Oxford—" I paused when I realized I was getting too defensive. "—share ko lang."

He let out a chuckle while shaking his head, probably too amused with what I did. I'm sure I sounded really defensive but I'm hoping that he won't start getting suspicious.

"Well, guess what?" Aniya, natatawa pa rin. "I'm going to Oxford too."

Damn, is this fate? Destiny? Is this a sign that he's my one and only?

He then started sharing on how he was offered a contract by a record label. I could see how excited he is by the way he talks but there was also a bit of restraint, as if he was still unsure and doubtful.

"That's nice! Really!" I congratulated, then giving him a round of applause. "I only heard you sing once—" I heard you sing live once, but a lot of times on Instagram and Youtube. "—but you have the talent."

He made a clicking sound and winked at me.

So smug!

"Should we go there together?" He asked. A ghost of a smile was playing on his lips and it seems like he was stifling something. Kinikilig siguro!

Luh, feeler! Anang isang bahagi ng isipan ko.

Minsan, nakakainis din ang mga boses sa isipan ko. May mga pagkakataon na malapit na akong mabaliw dahil parang may kung anong tao sa isipan ko at binubulungan ako ng kung ano-ano. Minsan naman, katulad ngayon, may boses na palaging kinokontra ang mga iniisip ko.

"Yeah... sure," pagsang-ayon ko, kunyare napipilitan kahit gustong-gusto ko naman.

Hindi naman nagtagal si Martell dahil kukunin niya pa raw ang costumes nilang magpipinsan. Curious nga ako kung ano ang susuotin niya pero saka na lang sa party para ma-surprise ako.

I spent the next hours and the following day knitting. I finally finished our costumes and just did the finishing touches when we were at the plane.

Kami nina Olivia, Sasha at Mabel lang ang magkasama dahil ang ibang bisita raw ay sila na ang bahala kung paano pumunta sa party.

Our first stop was Barcelona. The whole morning was spent for the opening of the hotel and we went to a banquet for breakfast and lunch. As for our dinner, we all had it separately since I think most were already preparing for the party.

"These are nice, G!" Pagpuri ni Sasha sabay palakpak.

She even hired a bunch of makeup artists and hair stylists just for tonight's party. Minsan, hindi ko mapigilang mapaisip kung gaano ba kayaman ang kaibigan at basta-basta na lang nagwawaldas ng pera.

Since I'm Buttercup for tonight, I also wore a black, above the shoulder wig. We took some pictures at our hotel room before heading to the rooftop bar.

Marami nang tao at mukhang nagkakasiyahan na sila. Sasha gave a short speech since she's the host and after that, everything was pretty much a blur.

"Oohh, look who we have here!" Nakangisi kong bati kay Martell na nakabihis bilang Thor. "Hammer me, Thor—" nagulat ako nang bigla siyang napaubo, nasamid yata sa inumin. Napangiwi naman ako nang mapagtanto na ang laswa pala pakinggan ng sinabi ko. "—I didn't know that it would come out like that."

Sabay kaming natawa dahil doon. Inaya ko siyang pumunta sa photo booth at nagpalitrato kaming dalawa. We were on our third shot when his cousins, who were also dressed as Marvel characters, and my friends saw us and photo bombed our pictures.

We stayed at the photo booth for a while and only left when Sasha's group of cousins arrived.

"Axyne," Martell called, almost shouting because of the booming music. "Orion is asking if your friend is coming here. He's at England right now and he said he doesn't mind to fetch your friend."

"My friend isn't coming," I answered. "But that's so nice of him."

Tumango si Martell at saka lumayo-layo muna para matawagan ang pinsan. Ako naman, minessage si London. Last minute na siyang nag-back out dahil tinatamad daw na pumunta rito kaya ako na lang bibisita sa kaniya.

London:

Awww! Are they cool? Gusto ko nalang tuloy pumunta ;((

Ako:

Yup! His cousins are cool and so is the party. One of them even offered to take you with him since he's also there. Now that I'm typing this, I actually think you two would make a good pair!!! 💘🙈

London:

Spare me with your matchmaking 🙅🏻‍♀️‼️🙂 focus on your babe instead

Napailing na lang ako dahil sa kaibigan. Sakto rin noong nagpaalam na si London ay ang pagbalik ni Martell.

Hindi ako masyadong uminom dahil mas feel kong mag-socialize. I met a lot of Sasha's cousins and I also got the chance to meet Maricar and Margarette! Medyo na-star-struck pa ako pero hindi naman ganoon ka halata.

The following day, we flew to Berlin. We spent the whole morning and afternoon sleeping then started preparing when nighttime came.

By far, the party here in Berlin is wilder and even more fun than the one we had yesterday. Unlike the previous party, we had games and it was really fun especially everyone were so cool and into the program that was prepared.

Ang mas nakakatawa pa ay dahil sila Martell at kaniyang mga pinsan ay naka-group costume ulit. At kung kahapon ay Marvel heroes sila, ngayon naman ay kay Little Mermaid.

The girls were dressed as Ariel and her sisters while the guys were sea creatures. Orion was dressed as a squid, Gabriello as a starfish, Martini as Sebastian, and Martell as Flounder.

"Gazella!" Lakad-takbo ang ginawa ni Margarita papunta sa kinaroroonan ko. Mukhang nahihirapan pa siya sa kaniyang costume na Ursula.

Wala siya sa party kahapon kaya ngayon lang ulit kami nagkita.

"Thanks for the Korean food last time!"

She rolled her eyes and waved her hand dismissively. "Ah, kuya Martell... what a good brother he is."

Patuloy kaming nagdaldalan ng kaibigan at naglibot-libot sa hotel. Bukas ng umaga ang alis namin ni Martell papuntang England kaya hindi ako puwedeng magpuyat.

Kinabukasan, si Margarita ang nagsilbing alarm clock ko. Hindi ko alam kung paano niya nakayang gumising nang napakaaga kahit mas late siyang natulog kagabi.

"You should hurry up." She pulled me from the bed and didn't even give me the chance to stretch. "Kuya's done and he's just waiting for you at the lounge."

"Really?" Hindi makapaniwala kong tanong.

She rolled her eyes and scoffed, "Duh! He's obviously excited."

Tinulak niya ako papasok ng banyo. Hindi na ako umangal dahil busy na ako sa kakangiti.

Supportive ka talaga, Marga! Plus points ka sa akin!

Mabilis akong naligo at nagbihis pero sinigurado na kaaya-aya naman ang itsura't suot ko. Siyempre, dapat mapa-wow si Martell kasi... bakit naman hindi?! Minsang lang naman 'to ah!

"Tama na ang pagmomonologo at bumaba na tayo miss mam." Tinapik niya ang balikat ko sabay abot ng duffel bag ko.

Pagkababa namin, laking gulat ko nang makita ang mga kaibigan at mga pinsan ni Martell. Napatingin sila sa amin at napagtanto ko na kami na lang ni Marga ang hinihintay nila.

Hindi ako makapaniwala na kung sino pa ang mga nagpuyat at nagpakalasing kagabi ay sila pa ang mas naunang nagising kaysa sa akin. Hindi ko rin inasahan na ganito karami ang maghahatid sa amin sa airport.

"Don't mind us, we're your fan club," mabilis na bulong ni Gretchen sabay kindat sa akin. "Team Gazell for the win."

Hindi siya nagtagal sa tabi ko at bumalik na sa tabi ni Martell sabay palibot ng kaniyang braso sa baywang nito. May kung anong kirot akong naramdaman pero agad din naman iyong naglaho.

The ride to the airport was eventful and noisy especially that there were a lot of us in one vehicle. My friends plus Martell's cousins are the perfect recipe for chaos. But then, I'm not complaining.

"Enjoy honeymoon!" Anang isang pinsan ni Martell sabay sipol.

Martell raised his middle finger which made all of them laugh. Ako naman, pangiti-ngiti lang, kunyare nahihiya kahit gustong-gusto ko naman. My oh-so-smitten side is rejoicing with all the tease.

We waved at them for the last time before heading to the boarding gate. Nagkatinginan kami ni Martell at lalong lumaki ang mga ngiti ko.

England, here we come!